Summer recreation possible for Tahoe ski resort

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INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — The next phase in determining if summer recreation and more development should be part of Diamond Peak’s future takes place next week.

An open house regarding updates to the ski area’s master plan is set for 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, July 9, at the Diamond Peak Base Lodge.

There, resort officials and consultants will provide examples of possible summer and multi-season uses and activities, according to the Incline Village General Improvement District, which owns the resort.

The master plan — which hasn’t been updated since 1987 — would serve as a blueprint for future development.

“The goal of updating the master plan and looking at summer operations is to make the best use of Diamond Peak as a community asset year-round, not just the 4-5 months when snow is on the ground,” said Andrew Baird, IVGID marketing manager.

Diamond Peak has offered winter recreation opportunities almost exclusively since opening 47 years ago, when it was called Ski Incline.

“While there has been a significant evolution within the ski industry toward four-season operations, Diamond Peak’s summer business remains very limited, consisting primarily of infrequently scheduled special events,” the resort said in a statement.

The master plan process began in May 2013. Since, IVGID staff has worked with consultants from the SE Group, a mountain resort planning firm that boasts project experience in six continents, to develop a draft master plan by conducting market research and a site analysis.

Residents will be able to comment and share their vision and ideas for future uses at Tuesday’s meeting, feedback that will be lumped into the draft plan, Baird said.

“This really is an open house in every sense of the phrase; there will be set stations with specific things and staffed with specific people, allowing people to move throughout the building, discuss those topics at that time,” said Baird, adding that the meeting is not “town hall” in nature.

A second public meeting will be held this fall to present the draft plan, and a final version could be completed by October 2013.